Local 710 Teamsters at ReaderLink Continue Negotiations
Teamsters Present Economic Proposals, Employer Finally Shows Movement
The Teamsters Local 710 bargaining committee for ReaderLink met Tuesday and Wednesday last week to continue negotiations.
On Tuesday, the company presented their latest proposals and the union provided initial economic proposals for wages and health benefits. Negotiations opened Wednesday with the union providing a full red-line response to all outstanding proposals.
Local 710 has called out the company for attempting to change current contract language without supporting its proposals with actual problems the company might face on a day-to-day basis. ReaderLink currently has more outstanding proposals than the union and has previously made very little movement over several bargaining sessions.
In Wednesday’s afternoon session, the employer verbally presented new and restated existing proposals to be provided in writing at the next bargaining session. Some of these proposals demonstrated a willingness to move on various issues. The union provided an initial response to a packaged offer presented by the employer.
We are making movement in negotiations. Local 710 is standing firm on our proposals that are important to protect our members. The company is looking for more flexibility, but they have a lot of flexibility given their overwhelming use of temporary workers, so
we’re working hard to keep their feet to the fire.
Gary Abraham
Local 710 Business Agent
Negotiations are scheduled to resume May 16 and 17. Any questions may be directed to any member of the bargaining committee or Gary Abraham.
Rank-and-File Bargaining Committee
- Jesus Pantjoa, Union Steward (day shift)
- Dana Triplett, Union Steward (day shift)
- Carlos Lozano, Union Steward (night shift)
- Tia Scott, Working Lead
Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and Indiana.